The Picong Party

Trinidad & Tobago's Electoral System

Learn about Trinidad & Tobago's electoral system, including the single-member constituencies, first-past-the-post system, and the role of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

2025 General Election - Electoral Registration Notice

Important: Electoral Registration Period for 2025 Parliamentary Election

Registration Period: March 20 - March 28, 2025

Who Should Register

  • Persons aged 18 and over who have not registered as electors
  • Registered electors who have changed address
  • Registered electors with name changes (marriage or otherwise)
  • Registered electors whose names do not appear on the Preliminary List

Registration Office Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Important Notes

  • Registration is available at all Registration Area Offices and Registration Sub-Offices
  • No registration-related matters will be processed after March 28, 2025
  • Registration is mandatory to participate in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections
Find your nearest Registration Office

Overview

Trinidad & Tobago operates under a parliamentary democracy with a first-past-the-post voting system. The country is divided into 41 constituencies, each electing one member to the House of Representatives. This system is designed to provide stable governance while ensuring representation from all parts of the country.

Key Features

  • Single-member constituencies: Each of the 41 constituencies elects one representative.
  • First-past-the-post system: The candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins.
  • House of Representatives: Comprises 41 elected members; 39 from Trinidad, 2 from Tobago.
  • Government formation: The party or coalition with the majority forms the government.
  • Term length: Elections are typically held every 5 years, unless called earlier.

Voting Process

Eligible citizens aged 18 and above can vote. The voting process involves several steps:

1

Register with EBC or check status via our Voter Information page

2

Visit assigned polling division on election day with relevant identification

3

Verify identity and receive ballot

4

Mark X next to chosen candidate in private booth

5

Place folded ballot in sealed box

Government Formation

The party or coalition that wins the majority of seats (at least 21 out of 41) forms the government. The leader of this party typically becomes the Prime Minister. If no party achieves a majority, there may be negotiations to form a coalition government. The President, acting on the Prime Minister's advice, appoints other ministers of government.

Electoral Management

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is responsible for:

  • Conducting free and fair elections
  • Maintaining and updating the voter list
  • Defining and reviewing constituency boundaries
  • Educating the public about the electoral process
  • Enforcing electoral laws and regulations

Voter Registration

Registration is a voluntary but essential requirement for voting in all elections. While there are no sanctions for not registering, citizens must be registered to participate in Parliamentary, Local Government, and Tobago House of Assembly elections. The process results in the issuance of a National Identification Card, which serves as the primary form of identification for voting.

Eligibility

  • Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago (by Birth, Descent, or Naturalization)
  • Commonwealth Citizens resident in Trinidad and Tobago
  • Non-Commonwealth Citizens resident in Trinidad and Tobago

Residency Requirements

  • Must reside in Trinidad and Tobago within the meaning of Section 5(1) of the Immigration Act
  • Must register in the polling division where you ordinarily reside
  • Registration may be cancelled if permanent residence is established abroad

ID Card Types

  • Blue - Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Red - Commonwealth Citizens
  • Orange - Non-Commonwealth Citizens

Registration Requirements

Required documentation varies based on citizenship status and circumstances:

Citizens Born in Trinidad and Tobago

  • Original computerized Birth Certificate from Registrar General's Department
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable for name change)
  • Registered Deed Poll (if name changed other than by marriage)

Citizens Born Outside Trinidad and Tobago

  • Original Birth Certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
  • Valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport or foreign passport with T&T citizenship stamp

Special Cases

  • Adopted persons: Certified copy from Adopted Children's Register and Adoption Board citizenship document
  • Naturalized citizens: Certificate of Naturalization under Section 12(1)
  • Name discrepancies: Original affidavit with supporting documentation

Resident Status Requirements

  • Valid passport with Immigration Division stamp under Section 4(2) or 5(1)
  • Certificate of Registration as a Resident
  • Inter-Commonwealth Caribbean Travel Document with Immigration stamp

Important Notes

  • All original documents must be presented and will be returned immediately
  • Copies of all documents must be provided and will be retained
  • From January 20th, 2025: Proof of address required (utility bill dated within last 3 months)
  • If utility bill not in applicant's name, authorization letter and ID copy from homeowner/landlord required

Proof of Residence Requirements (Effective January 20th, 2025)

Important Update: Starting January 20th, 2025, new proof of address requirements will be mandatory for:

  • New ID Card applications
  • Renewals
  • Replacements
  • Change of name transactions
  • Change of address transactions

Accepted Utility Bills

  • Cable
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Phone (landlines)
  • On-premise Internet

Requirements

  • Utility bill must be dated within the last three months
  • Original bill plus a copy must be provided
  • If bill is not in applicant's name:
    • Letter of authorization from homeowner/landlord
    • Copy of homeowner/landlord's ID, Passport, or Driver's Permit

Proof of Residence

To establish residency, applicants must provide at least one of the following documents:

  • Recent utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone)
  • Property tax receipt or valid lease agreement
  • Bank statement or credit card statement
  • Driver's permit with current address
  • Letter from employer confirming residence
  • Other official documents showing current address

Additional Information

  • Persons aged 15 and over can register, though only those 18 and over are included in the electoral list
  • Those registered between 15-17 are automatically deemed as electors upon turning 18
  • The Commission publishes an Annual List of Qualified Electors on July 1st each year
  • Registration records may need updating for changes in name, address, or if the system undergoes changes

Process of Deeming Electors

The process of deeming electors involves transitioning registered persons to active voter status. This process ensures the accuracy and currency of the electoral list.

Age-Based Registration

  • Registration available from age 15
  • Ages 15-17 appear as 'Age Pending' in EBC database
  • Status changes to 'ACTIVE' upon turning 18 after field verification

Field Verification

  • Verification of current residence address
  • Confirmation of house number and street name
  • Validation of correct polling division assignment

Commonwealth Citizens

  • Must reside at given address for at least 1 year
  • Residence period counted from date on Residential Certificate
  • Listed as 'Adult Non-Elector' until residence requirement met

Address Changes

  • Written notification sent if no longer at registered address
  • Must complete Form 22 for change of address
  • New field check required at updated address

Trinidad and Tobago Citizens

  • Must reside at registered address for minimum 2 months
  • Registered as 'Adult Non-Elector' if address qualification not met
  • Status changes to 'ACTIVE' after field verification confirms residence period

Polling Day Activities

Polling stations open simultaneously at 6:00 a.m. on Election Day. Here's what to expect:

Queue System

  • Green Line: For voters with National ID Card and name on List of Electors
  • Red Line: For all other voters, including those with physical disabilities
  • Information Officers available to direct voters to correct lines and stations

Special Accommodations

  • Blind or visually impaired voters can use templates or companion assistance
  • Physically incapacitated persons have special provisions
  • Poll Cards available on-site if not received by mail

Voting Process Steps

  1. 1Poll Clerk verifies your identity by checking ID card against the List of Electors and Reference List
  2. 2Sign your poll card in front of the Poll Clerk
  3. 3Deputy Presiding Officer checks for electoral ink and issues ballot paper
  4. 4Receive demonstration of proper ballot marking using X-stamp and guidance ballot
  5. 5Mark ballot with "X" in private booth (other marks will invalidate your ballot)
  6. 6Show folded ballot with Deputy Presiding Officer's initials and polling station number
  7. 7Dip finger in electoral ink (mandatory) before placing ballot in box

Note: Any issues encountered during voting should be reported to the Presiding Officer immediately.

Special Electors

Under Election Rule 59 of the Representation of the People Act, certain categories of electors can be treated as special electors, allowing alternative voting arrangements.

Service Personnel

  • Police Service members (including Special Reserve and Estate Police)
  • Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force members
  • Prison Service members

Election Officials

  • Commission members and senior election officers
  • Returning Officers working outside their district
  • Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers, and Poll Clerks

Special Circumstances

  • Patients in public or approved private hospitals
  • Inmates in public institutions
  • Prisoners within the meaning of the Prisons Act
  • Aircraft flight crew members
  • Persons engaged in offshore petroleum operations

Electoral Participants

  • Polling Agents
  • Candidates and their spouses (if registered in different districts)
  • Election agents working outside their registered district

Application Process

  • Applications must be made between the publication of Election Notice and Nomination Day
  • Submit to the Returning Officer of your electoral district
  • For service personnel, approval may be granted indefinitely but ceases if service ends
  • Lists are finalized within three days after Nomination Day

Challenges and Criticisms

While the system has provided stability, it has faced some criticisms:

The first-past-the-post system can lead to disproportionate representation.

Smaller parties may struggle to gain representation.

The system may encourage tactical voting rather than voting for preferred candidates.

There have been calls for constitutional reform to address these issues.